Meet Mr. Arlo “Shmoo” Guthrie…

Gadora relishes the first sighting of an Animal Print “subject.” Some pictures of your pets simply make me squeal. There are a plenitude of fine- and funny-looking pooches, kittens and guinea pigs out there. The Etsy request for Arlo “Shmoo” Guthrie’s portrait—German short-haired pointer-mix adopted from the Humane Society—came with a slew of pics. Which pic to choose from? (You’ll see them after the jump.) This is one. stinking. cute. canine.

Mr. Shmoo's Portrait

Arlo’s portrait is to be a gift for “his best friend,” Cristin’s boyfriend. Of the first pics (below) Cristin offered, “I adore this photo of Arlo—he is in his element. A true lover of outdoors and adventure, he never fails to look out on the world with his wise eyes. What I love most about this image in particular is how he looks while doing so… ear cocked, bird fluff hair blowing in the wind. What you don’t see, however, are his beautiful squinting eyes. (If you play with the contrast you can get a glimpse of them, which is all I really want… just a hint of two eyes. Oh, and maybe to lose the camera case in the bottom right.)”

Puppy on perch

“Arlo gearing up for a hike. Very cute photos, but a less than desirable background.” And I ask you, have you ever seen a more expressive pooch? No, no you probably haven’t.

Arlo with his hiking gear.

Another of Arlo in the laundry room. He’s an eager beaver to get out on the trails. “Arlo’s greatest love in life is the outdoors. He enjoys racing up and down trails, climbing cliffs like a mountain goat, chasing deer, swimming, dunking his head in water, fetching sticks and chasing tossed rocks.”

Arlo at the ready.

And one more of Arlo, frolicking with Sonic on his first hike. “He was Arlo’s first playmate and early role model, and is the reason, I think, Arlo is so sweet today.” Shmoo’s back story: The receptionist of the facility at the time Cristin, “swooned for him the moment he was carried in. His deliverers were an adorable young couple who found each and every one of his littermates a good home, but just could not seem to place Arlo. Due to overflow at the shelter and Arlo’s susceptibility to illness from incomplete vaccinations, my boyfriend and I got to foster him in our home. Needless to say, we fell deeply in love and made the commitment to be loving and proud parents to Arlo. “

Puppies Playing.

“The most important thing to know about Arlo is that he is the kindest, gentlest, cuddliest companion. He is sensitive and loving and free-spirited, and has improved our lives immeasurably with his warm presence.” That about sums it up.